Tomorrow, August 9, is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. On September 13, 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The UN tells us that: “There are an estimated 476 million Indigenous Peoples in the world living across 90 countries. They represent 5,000 different cultures...Indigenous Peoples make up less than 6% of the global population, but they represent at least 15% of the extremely poor...Indigenous Peoples’ territories encompass 28% of the surface of the globe and contain 11% of the world’s forests. They are guardians of most of the world’s remaining biodiversity. Indigenous Peoples’ food systems have high levels of self-sufficiency, ranging from 50% to 80% in food and resource generation...
“They have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live.
“Despite their cultural differences, Indigenous Peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples.
“Indigenous Peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated. The international community now recognises that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life.”
Let’s pay tribute to the wisdom of Indigenous Peoples around the world. They treasure the earth through deep spiritual connection, traditional ecological knowledge, and active stewardship of natural resources.
Indigenous cultures view the earth as a living relative and sacred provider rather than a resource to exploit. Creation stories and native languages pass down the sacred duty of protecting ancestral lands from generation to generation.
“Indigenous knowledge systems have sustained the well-being of Indigenous Peoples for generations. Rooted in holistic worldviews that connect territory, spirituality, community and ways of life, they encompass values, practices and forms of care that have been developed and passed on over time” (UN).
The UN theme for this year’s International Day is: Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.
Let’s recognise Indigenous Midwives’ role as “knowledge holders and caregivers, reaffirm the enduring value of Indigenous knowledge systems in safeguarding life, and advance culturally appropriate approaches to well-being for future generations” (UN).
The Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) provides us with an opportunity to advocate for indigenous cultures.
“At least 40% of the 7,000 languages used worldwide are at some level of endangerment. Indigenous languages are particularly vulnerable because many of them are not taught at school or used in the public sphere” (UN).
The National Library and Information System Authority notes, “[t]he Amerindian population included eight ethnic peoples ”across the islands.”
Amerindian Peoples have existed in Trinidad for as many as 6,000 years before the arrival of Columbus in 1498, with sites like Banwari Trace, San Francique, the oldest pre-Columbian site in the Caribbean, dating back to approximately 5000 BCE.
Arawakan and Cariban groups migrated from South America to our region, including: the Nepuyo, Shebaio, Lokono, Taíno, Kalinago/Karina/Kalipuna, Garifuna, Shebayo, Chaguanes, Chaima, and Warao.
These groups shaped the region’s identity for thousands of years through sustainable agriculture, navigation, and community traditions.
Many names of towns, rivers, and mountains across Trinidad come from the Arawakan, Carib, and Warao languages, for example, Arima, Arouca, Caroni, Couva, Mucurapo, Mayaro, Oropouche and Tunapuna. Cultural heritage is preserved today through groups like the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community based in Arima.
The 240th Santa Rosa Festival 2026 was launched on August 1 with a traditional smoke ceremony— a “powerful act of cleansing, blessing, and honouring our ancestors”. It was. Hosted by the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community, activities during the festival include community teachings, prayer devotions, and cultural presentations.
The festival will culminate near the Feast of Santa Rosa de Lima, around August 23, with a special Feast Day Mass at the Santa Rosa Catholic Church, and a sacred street procession through Arima.
Chief Ricardo Bharath Hernandez said the festival, which dates back to 1786, is the oldest continuously celebrated event in T&T’s history. Nona Lopez Calderon Galera Moreno Aquan serves as the First Peoples Carib Queen.
Let us create a just, inclusive and equitable society by celebrating and preserving our rich and diverse indigenous heritage; the enduring contributions of the Caribbean’s earliest Indigenous Peoples; and commit to become advocates for Indigenous Peoples globally, for example, through “active listening, continuous self-education, and amplifying community-led initiatives rather than speaking over native voices” (Amnesty International).
